DHS Football, Volleyball Teams Start The Season With Impressive Wins

The Dorchester Longhorns fall sports teams are off to a perfect start.

On Thursday, the DHS volleyball team took care of business, sweeping Class D1 East Butler in three straight sets on the road. 

The Orange and Black Attack will be in action again this Thursday in a triangular at Palmyra. 

On Friday night, the Longhorn football team traveled 2.5 hours to Walthill, where they soundly defeated the No. 8 six-man team in the state, 62-13. 

Dorchester's gridiron warriors will be at home this Friday in a contest against St. Edward. (See the TV news summary of the game here.)

Dorchester fans came away from both contests impressed by the teams' determination and improved skills.

Stay tuned, Longhorn faithful. Your teams are playing well!

American Pickers Star's Mission: Saving Rural America's Small Towns

We've posted stories about TV's American Pickers before, when the gang from the History Channel's hit show has wondered through Nebraska. 

Today's article has a different spin -- that is, how the Pickers' Mike Wolfe aims to help save rural America.

Recently, the Des Moines newspaper published an in-depth story on the show's leading man, his Iowa upbringing, and his present mission: to save rural America and its small towns.

Wolfe tells the paper that, “When we lose small towns, we lose everything that we stand for. We lose small business. We lose entrepreneurs. We lose historic properties. We lose pride. We lose jobs.”

But he also deeply believes turnarounds can happen, especially if towns embrace and publicize whatever makes them special. 

According to the story, Wolfe is part of the Preserve Route 66 campaign, publishes a blog about stores and eateries in Small Town U.S.A. and is helping to renovate the rural community he lives in outside Nashville.

On the show, he is slowly trying to feature more of the towns where he does picks, highlighting not just the story of the people or the object, but the place where they live.

In his attempt to share some small-town best practices, Wolfe talked about a young entrepreneur in Kansas who has an antique car business in the middle of nowhere. "How did it survive? Online sales. Ninety percent of his stuff for sale is online."

Wolfe said: “He could be on the moon and he’s selling stuff!”

With that, Wolfe joins the siren call of those asking millennials to think of Brownsville, Texas, or Boise, Idaho, instead of Brooklyn: Cheap living! Simple lifestyle! Historic buildings!

“This is the thing that’s going to save America’s Main Street — are these younger people that understand how important online sales are,” Wolfe says. “If they understand that and they have a business that connects to that, they can be anywhere.”

There's a lesson for Dorchester and similar towns in this Pickers story.

BREAKING NEWS: Chester Returns To DHS Gym

Nine years ago, in August 2010, we ran the following:

Could Dorchester Public Schools soon be losing one of its most famous residents? According to reports posted at the July "Open Forum" post on this website, school officials are currently in discussions about removing Chester, the mounted Longhorn head, from the school gymnasium. 

Soon after that post, he was gone.

Just yesterday, in our Aug. 27 story, we were wondering whatever happened to Chester, who had hung from the school gym's north wall from the early 1990s. 

Then today, magic happened as the old Dorchester fan favorite made his DHS comeback.

At nearly 30 years old, Chester brings back his charm as the headliner in DHS' new "Chester's Corral" -- a student section located in the southwest corner of the main gym.  

According to school officials, this area is for the students to stand and cheer with Longhorn pride -- while overseen by Chester, of course.  

Chester and his corral will be formally unveiled on Tuesday, September 10, the first home contest of the DHS volleyball season. The Orange and Black Attack will face College View Academy.

Developing...

Whatever Happened To...?

Today, let's take a moment to ponder whatever happened to some of Dorchester's most beloved treasures.

Whatever happened to:

Chester the Longhorn? He was certainly Dorchester Public School's most famous residents. Chester was the mounted Longhorn head that hung from the school gym's north wall from the early 1990s until late 2010, when it disappeared. At nearly 20 years in the school, Chester was a fan favorite. Dorchester's gym hasn't been the same without the handsome fella.

The Freidell Photo Collection? Russell Freidell -- the son of William Freidell, the well-known dry goods store owner and retailer who ran his business in Dorchester for more than 50 years -- was the preeminent early photographer of Dorchester. The 1907 graduate of Dorchester High School captured Dorchester as it existed more than 100 years ago. While his images can occasionally be found online, Freidell's original photos and postcards are extremely rare. Somewhere, someone must have a treasure trove of these old Freidell photos. If they do, this collection could truly be considered Dorchester's own "national treasure."

The Town Gazebo? Dorchester has had more than one gazebo over the years -- the earliest once stood in the center of main street, as shown in the picture below. The most recent gazebo was built for Dorchester's 100-year celebration back in 1981, crafted by several Dorchester-area handymen. Perhaps a new gazebo would make a great project for Dorchester students and/or volunteer groups. How wonderful would it be to once again listen to the high school band on an autumn evening, or hear a gifted orator, or watch a talent show in front of Dorchester's own gazebo -- right there on our beautiful main street?

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Football Gets District Assignment

Dorchester Assigned its 2019 Football District: The Nebraska School Activities Association has assigned Dorchester its district for the 2019 football season. These are the District 2 teams DHS will compete against this fall when it comes to determining who qualifies for the state playoffs: Deshler, Dorchester, Lewiston, McCool Junction, Sterling.

Cool Dorchester Clothing Online: Did you know you can wear your Dorchester pride on your sleeve -- literally? A quick online search found all these neat Dorchester clothing options. Why not suprise your friends and family at your next gathering, showing them how much you pride you have in our hometown?

Friend to Vote on $3M Pool and Sales Tax Hike: The Friend City Council recently approved a resolution to add a question regarding an increase in sales tax on the November special election ballot. The council approved another resolution regarding a $3 million bond issue to be added to voters ballots as well for the construction of a new city pool facility. Should be an interesting vote.

DHS Volleyball, Football Scrimmages Open To All Fans This Friday Evening

Can you feel the buzz is in the late summer air?

The Dorchester High School Longhorns are about to begin their 2019 football and volleyball campaigns.

We have already published the schedules for both teams. 

See the football schedule here; see the volleyball schedule here.

But with the first volleyball game next Thursday and the first football game next Friday, every minute of practice is valuable for the players. 

This is why Longhorn fans should plan on attending both team's intra-squad scrimmages this Friday evening, Aug. 23.

The DHS volleyball girls will hold their Orange Vs. Black scrimmage at 5:30 p.m. in the main gym. Admission is a Gatorade. 

Later in the evening, the DHS football team will hold its scrimmage at 7:30 p.m. at Nerud Field. Admission is a sports drink.

Get a glimpse of this year's fall sports teams while giving our student athletes the chance to play in front of a crowd in advance of the season's official start.

Go Big D!

HOME-FOR-SALE ALERT: 909 Lincoln Ave.

Dorchester's real estate market is red hot as more people -- especially young families -- are realizing the advantages and affordability of small-town life. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with some of the state's better educators. The lowest school tax levy in the county. (And not constant property tax hikes like some of our neighbors.)

• SAFE AND SANE COMMUNITY: With a new water system and sewer system.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable cost of living with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESS: Headquarters for one of the state's largest agri-businesses (Farmers' Cooperative) and is situated on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to employers in Crete, Milford, Friend and Seward, and 30 minutes to Lincoln, and 10 minutes to I-80.  Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we are showcasing the latest Dorchester home available.  

909 Lincoln Ave.: AT AUCTION on September 14, 2019, at 12:00 p.m. on property site. 3 beds, 1 bath, 1,988 sq ft. Built in 1946. List price does not indicate minimum bid or projected sale price. TERMS: 10% down day of sale, closing within 30 days. All prior taxes paid by seller, 2019 real estate taxes pro-rated to day of closing. Title insurance and escrow closing fee to be split by buyer and seller. Purchase not contingent upon financing or inspections, please have arrangements made prior to sale. Premier Real Estate agents are agents of the seller. Seller reserves the right to accept or reject any bids. Property sells AS-IS with no warranties expressed or implied. See more here.

Preview Of 2019 DHS Volleyball Season

Another volleyball season begins two weeks from tonight. 

Last season, Dorchester High School's volleyball team finished near .500, accumulating a 12-14 record.  

This year, the Longhorns will return a  strong team and will be among Class D2's more respected units. 

Much will depend on how much support younger players can provide a the more experienced members, since the team is once again not terribly deep. Also, with a new head coach and assistant coach, the returning Lady Longhorns are learning a new system.

CORRECTION: Longhorn fans should know more after Friday, Aug. 23. That's when the DHS volleyball squad will hold an Orange Vs. Black scrimmage at 5:30 p.m. in the main gym. Admission is a Gatorade. (Later that same evening, the DHS football team will hold its scrimmage at 7:30 p.m. at Nerud Field. Admission is a sports drink.)

If you'd like to show your support for the DHS volleyball program, you can order your t-shirt here.

Dorchester Foundation Golf Outing/Fundraiser Is Aug. 19

Get your golf clubs ready.

The fourth annual Dorchester Community Foundation Golf Tourney is set for Sunday, Sept. 8.

The outing will take place at the Crete Country Club, according to a flyer.  

There will be a lunch at noon, followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

The tourney will be a two-person, best ball format.

Cost is $50 per person, or $100 per couple.  

Cost includes nine holes, cart, meal, and pin prizes.

Registration is due no later than Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Checks should be made payable to: Dorchester Community Foundation Fund.

For more information or to sign up, call Linda Easley at 402-641-0564.

All proceeds go to the Dorchester splash pad project.

Chuck Pliva Passes Four Weeks Following His Wife

Charles E. Pliva, 73, of Dorchester passed away Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019 from a stroke he recently suffered. Chuck's passing comes less than one month after the death of his wife, Kathy.

Charles was born to Earnest and Bessie Pliva (Vsetecka) on Sept. 15, 1945 in Loup City, Neb.  He was raised by his mother and step-father, Leonard Swanek in Comstock, Neb., where he graduated from high school in 1964. 

Charles married Katherine Boyer in Beaver Crossing on May 21, 1966, and they moved to Dorchester in 1971, where they resided until their passing. There they raised their two daughters, Colleen and Michelle. Charles was employed by the Nestle Corporation from 1967 until his retirement in 2012. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and camper and enjoyed these activities with friends and family. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Katherine, parents Earnest Pliva and Bessie Swanek, and step-father Leonard Swanek.  

Charles is survived by his two daughters, Colleen Schwisow, and Michelle Schlueter, both of Dorchester, and grandchildren Brandon, Justin, Ashley, Jeremy, Makayla and Colton. 

Services will be held at the Kuncl Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 16, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Dorchester Cemetery with lunch to be served at the VFW in Crete. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Pliva Family Memorial Fund.

OUR VIEW: Time For A Dorchester Sales Tax To Fund Public Works?

Recently, folks in next-door Friend got a peek at options to replace the community's 1936 pool. Friend's city council is expected to put a question regarding a bond issue and city sales tax on the November ballot. 

The cost for the new Friend pool -- including partial demolition and remodeling -- is estimated to be around $2.5 million, paid for by the taxpayer. 

Compare that to the new Dorchester splash pad, estimated to be around $225,000 and paid for by donations.

In our opinion, when it comes to luxuries like pools and water parks, Dorchester did things the right way by using the community foundation to collect donations over a couple of years. Pay for things as you go.  

But we aren't in the business of telling other towns what to do; that's not our purpose here. 

Instead, we want to draw attention to Friend's use of its city sales tax. Currently, Friend has a 1% sales tax. It's not a huge burden, but it provides city leaders with options they wouldn't otherwise have when looking at big public projects.

If Dorchester were to have a similar sales tax, the funds could be used for streets, water and sewer -- real priorities. This is especially relevant following last year's Supreme Court ruling allowing states to collect sales taxes for online purchases.

But our community has never had a sales tax, to our knowledge. 

Now is the time, with new board members at the helm, for Dorchester to consider a sales tax. 

Our community has needs that should be addressed soon. An almost unnoticed sales tax would pay big dividends in Dorchester, while ensuring that -- unlike income and property taxes -- everyone would have skin in the game.

Dorchester's Backpack Program Getting Set For Another School Year

Dorchester is a generous community. The Dorchester Public School's backpack program is just one small example of this fact. (See here for our Aug. 2018 story on the program.)

The school's backpack effort is nearly a decade old, thanks to the passionate leadership of Kathy Palky. 

The program provides food to the children of low-income families, who must show proof of their modest earnings. Also, parents must give their OK before the children can take home the packs of food for the weekends.

Since its beginning, the program at Dorchester has received hundreds of donations, from $5 to $1,000.

The cost to the program is $250 per child for the full school year. So the need is real. A donation can be for any amount and made at any time -- by an individual, a business, or an organization.

If you'd like to donate to this worthy cause, you can make out your check to Dorchester Public School, with "Backpack Program" in the memo, and send it to:

Dorchester Public School

P.O. Box 7

Dorchester, NE 68343

HOME-FOR-SALE ALERT: 1113 N. Washington Ave.

Dorchester's real estate market is red hot as more people -- especially young families -- are realizing the advantages and affordability of small-town life. Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with some of the state's better educators. The lowest school tax levy in the county and one of the lower property rates in southeast Nebraska. (And not constant property tax hikes like some of our next-door neighbors.)

• SAFE AND SANE COMMUNITY: With a new water system and sewer system.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable cost of living with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESS: Headquarters for one of the state's largest agri-businesses (Farmers' Cooperative) and is situated on the thriving Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to employers in Crete, Milford, Friend and Seward, and just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 10 minutes to I-80.  Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we are showcasing the latest Dorchester home available.  

1113 N Washington Ave.: Newer Everything! This Home was moved onto this poured foundation in 2011, and at that same time, most everything was replaced and/or remodeled. Big open floor plan on the main floor with a very large Kitchen with center island, a formal Dining area, Living Room and Main floor Laundry, Bath and mud room. The second level offers 3 Bedrooms, and another full Bath. The full basement is partially finished and has the 4th Bedrooms walled off with egress window and closet, along with the 3rd Bath roughed in and ready for you to put your special touches. The 20'x24' detached garage was moved onto this new foundation and stem wall in March of 2019. All of this is located on the edge of Dorchester, so it's like living in the country without the price of an acreage or the upkeep of one! See more here.

OUR VIEW: How Do We Stop The Next Act Of Mass Violence?

How do Americans stop the next act of mass violence? Is the answer tougher gun control devised by politicians? 

Nope. 

As a nation, we could impose an outright ban guns or magazines today and it wouldn't stop mass violence in a backwards culture. To the contrary, it might set off a few more loose screws out there, while stripping law-abiding citizens of their right to self-defense.

Guns and ammunition are everywhere. They're not going away. While tougher background checks might be one area of political comprise -- and something we're OK with -- they'd only be a feel-good step that would fail to address the multiple other ways that mass harm and death can be inflected.

The sickness affecting society today goes beyond the issue of gun violence. 

There was a time when guns and rifles were in the majority of U.S. homes. Mass shootings could have been carried out quite easily. But they almost never occurred. (That's why nut jobs like Charles Starkweather were talked about and hated for decades after their atrocities.)

There's something deeper going on here. Drug use has become normalized. Mental health issues are becoming more common. Suicide rates are soaring. Why? Find the answer and you'll uncover the source of what's causing the spike in mass shootings.

We suspect some of the reason is that over the last couple of decades, society as a whole -- not just America -- has become less socially connected. More isolated. Less religious and spiritual, and certainly more self-centered. Worse yet, what we're feeding our minds on a daily basis is as unhealthy as what many are putting in their bodies.

Some say "social media" brings out the worst in humans. Others say the Internet exposes already fragile brains to the sickest, most evil ideas conceived. But just like guns, Internet technology and social media are not going away. 

So how do we make our communities safer from the evil-doers?

The most effective way, the only legitimate way to stop the next act of mass violence is for friends, families, coworkers, neighbors, and online connections to report those who are likely to carry out such acts. No one can catch the "bad guys" as easily as those who see them every day. The clues are almost always there.

If you observe someone -- even family members -- who is routinely making threats of violence, or talking of violence on a regular basis, you have a duty to report them to law enforcement. In this era, such threats cannot be tolerated.

Contact the Saline County Sheriff's Department, or leave a tip with the FBI. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Despite the negative nature of this editorial, keep in mind the good people still greatly outnumber the bad apples. The evil, unbalanced individuals are few in numbers, but they can inflict much harm while making us all less trustful of our fellow human beings. 

It's up to all of us to try to stop the next act of mass violence. Pay attention. Obverse. Then, if need be, report.

2019 DHS Football Preview

The 2019 football season will bring the modern era's second act of six-man high school football to Dorchester, at a revamped Nerud Field -- complete with its high-grade lighting system.  

Here is the 2019 DHS football schedule:

Week 1: Friday, Aug. 30, at Walthill
Week 2: Friday, Sept. 6, St. Edward (Home)
Week 3: Friday, Sept. 13, at Hampton
Week 4: Bye
Week 5: Friday, Sept. 27, at Deshler
Week 6: Friday, Oct. 04, Lewiston (Homecoming)
Week 7: Friday, Oct. 11, at Heartland Lutheran
Week 8: Friday, Oct. 18, McCool Junction (Home)
Week 9: Friday, Oct. 25, Sterling (Home)

In late 2017, Dorchester school board members signed off on a plan to establish a six-man football team at DHS, after deciding there was sufficient support from parents and students. An online survey of Times readers at that time showed nearly three-quarters of readers said they wanted DHS football to return. Dorchester had been without a football team of its own since 2013, and from 2014-2016, DHS co-oped with next-door neighbor Milford, a Class C-1 school.

Last fall, Dorchester compiled a 3-5 record for its first season of six-man football since the 1950s. Fans were delighted to see football back at Nerud Field, with standout plays from some real up-and-comers, as well as some great seniors. Moreover, it was inspiring to see the community rally around a group of dedicated young men who played hard for their school and who were tough enough to learn the game.

This season, DHS will need to rely on new leaders following the graduation of some key seniors, including standout Cole Johnson. However, with more than a year of six-man training under their belts, the inside scoop is that several new players are ready to take on more prominent roles on the team as leaders. The first test will come just four weeks from tonight at Walthill.

Stand by for season two of fast-paced six-man ball.